Symphonic Encounters
The VSO’s open rehearsal program, Symphonic Encounters, takes students, teachers, and community groups behind the scenes to discover what it takes for the musicians, conductors, and production team of the Vancouver Symphony to prepare for a world class concert.
In addition to the rehearsal, opportunities to Meet a Musician or take an Orpheum Tour may be offered depending on safety guidelines. Ticket holders will be notified of these opportunities in advance of the rehearsal date.
Meet a Musician: During the break, VSO musician will be available to answer any questions students may have about a career in music or the rehearsal process.
Orpheum Tour: A 40-minute tour of the Orpheum Theatre is available as an alternative to sitting in on the second half of the rehearsal. Space is limited, so advance booking is required.
Please note that the suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults.
Safety Measures: For FAQ’s about Safety Measures, please click here and please see our information about the performance below.
2022-2023 Rehearsal Dates
Visions of Heaven: Mozart, Golijov & Mahler
Thursday November 3 | 10am – 12:30pm
A musical contemplation of spirituality through the lens of Don Giovanni. Experience the incredible depth of Alisa Weilerstein as she performs Argentinian composer Golijov’s cello concerto that explores heaven through the blue sky. Maestro Tausk closes the program with Mahler’s take on a child’s vision of heaven.
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Hilary Hahn Plays Sibelius
Friday January 13 | 10am – 12:30pm
Three-time Grammy® Award-winner Hilary Hahn returns at last to the VSO to share her soulful interpretation of the Sibelius Violin Concerto. Plus, a thrilling orchestral workout by Richard Strauss, and Canadian composer Ana Sokolovic’s charming Nine Proverbs
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Beethoven, Berlioz, Bartok & Brueggergosman
Thursday February 16 | 10am – 12:30pm
Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 mix operatic conventions with heroic Beethovenian energy. By contrast, Berlioz’s La mort de Cléopâtre is a stark cantata, performed here by the great Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman. The concert closes with Hungarian composer Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, one of his most popular works.
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Beethoven & Prokofiev
Thursday March 2 | 10am-12:30pm
Captivating, lyrical, and energetic, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is one of his most popular works. VSO Concertmaster Nicholas Wright’s effortless tone is featured perfectly in Prokofiev’s gorgeous first violin concerto, under the baton of South Korean conductor Han-Na Chang.
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Aretha: A Tribute
Friday April 28 | 11am-2pm
Broadway star Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy® nominee Ryan Shaw join the VSO for a high-energy tribute to the inimitable “Queen of Soul.” Featuring solid gold Aretha Franklin hits including Respect, Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Think, and many more!
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Wayne Marshall Plays Rhapsody in Blue
Friday May 5 | 10am – 12:30pm
Wayne Marshall seamlessly inhabits the worlds of classical, popular, and jazz music. Marshall does double duty on the podium and leading from the piano in Gershwin’s seminal Rhapsody in Blue and conductor/arranger Leopold Stokowski’s grand orchestral vision of Bach’s imposing Toccata and Fugue, popularized as the opening to Disney’s Fantasia.
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There are several ways to register for a Symphonic Encounters open rehearsal:
Order online (credit card only)
Download the order form and mail (credit card or cheque payment)
Complete the order form and mail it with your deposit or full payment
Mailing address: Education, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, 500-833 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0G4
Telephone reservations will not be accepted.
We cannot guarantee that all of the listed repertoire will be rehearsed during the open rehearsal.
All rehearsals are held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Please use the Smithe Street entrance of the building upon arrival.
Approximately 2.5 hours. There are usually two pieces rehearsed per session, each one for about 1 hour with a 20-minute break in the middle.
All seating is in the balcony of the Orpheum Theatre and is assigned on a FIRST PAID IN FULL – BEST SEATING basis. Sending a deposit will hold the date for you and we will assign your seats upon receiving your complete payment.
Sorry, no cameras, video or tape recorders are permitted in the hall.
All tickets are $10.00 for education & community groups. For all other pricing please contact education@vancouversymphony.ca.
The ArtStarts Cherniavsky’s Mr. Music Fund offers grants to schools to assist in purchasing student tickets to classical music concerts and open rehearsals. For more information, visit https://artstarts.com/cherniavsky
Symphonic Encounters is an open rehearsal series, which means that attendees quietly observe the orchestra preparing for a regular season concert. Our suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults. Please contact the Education Assistant if you require any further advice on this matter.
Program notes are available online three weeks in advance of each rehearsal date. There are no programs available on the day of the rehearsal.
Doors open 30 minutes before the listed rehearsal time and we request that everyone be seated inside the auditorium 10 minutes before the rehearsal begins. Late comers will not be seated until an appropriate break in the rehearsal.
Full payment is required no later than 2 weeks before the rehearsal. You have the option of paying in full at the time of your registration or sending a non-refundable deposit to hold your preferred date with the balance to arrive 2 weeks prior to the rehearsal.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Vancouver Symphony’s Education Department at 604.684.9100 or contact us by email at education@vancouversymphony.ca.
